Patents by Inventor Neil Rasmussen

Neil Rasmussen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20090138313
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining data center resource requirements, such as cooling and power requirements, and for monitoring performance of data center resource systems, such as cooling and power systems, in data centers. At least one aspect provides a system and method that enables a data center operator to determine available data center resources, such as power and cooling, at specific areas and enclosures in a data center to assist in locating new equipment in the data center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Jane E. Morgan, Neil Rasmussen, James W. VanGilder, Mikkel Dalgas, Ted Ives, Morten Bock
  • Publication number: 20090112522
    Abstract: A method of managing power efficiency of a data center includes conducting initial power measurements at a plurality of locations in the data center, establishing an efficiency model for the data center based on the initial power measurements, establishing benchmark performance levels using the efficiency model, conducting ongoing power measurements, and comparing results of the ongoing power measurements to benchmark performance levels. Other methods and systems of managing power efficiency and modeling power efficiency are further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventor: Neil Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7509529
    Abstract: A processor embedded in a device includes instructions for procedures to be completed by a user. A display provides the instructions as steps for completion to the user. The processor monitors status of the device to determine completion of the steps before proceeding with the next step. Errors in performing steps are identified by the processor and steps to correct the errors are displayed for execution by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Colucci, Neil Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20090046415
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to power distribution systems and methods for distributing power from a primary power source and a backup power source to a load. In one particular aspect, a power distribution system includes a first input to receive input power from the primary power source, a second input to receive input power from the backup power source, an output that provides output power from at least one of the primary power source and the backup power source, a first switch operatively coupled to the first input and the output and operative to selectively couple the first input to the output, a second switch operatively coupled to the second input and the output and operative to selectively couple the second input to the output, and a controller operatively coupled to the first switch and to the second switch and configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, William Ziegler, David A. Colucci
  • Publication number: 20090034166
    Abstract: Systems and method for installing computer equipment and power distribution equipment in facilities is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides a power distribution rack, and uninterruptible power supply rack and a plurality of equipment racks. A plurality of power cables are run from the power distribution rack to each of the plurality of equipment racks using power cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, James Simonelli, John McNally, Kenneth G. Brill
  • Publication number: 20090034167
    Abstract: Systems and method for installing computer equipment and power distribution equipment in facilities is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides a power distribution rack, and uninterruptible power supply rack and a plurality of equipment racks. A plurality of power cables are run from the power distribution rack to each of the plurality of equipment racks using power cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. A plurality of data cables run between the plurality of equipment racks using data cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. The power cable tracks and data cable tracks are designed to be installed on the roofs of the equipment racks without the need for tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, William Ziegler, Peter Francis
  • Patent number: 7425682
    Abstract: Systems and method for installing computer equipment and power distribution equipment in facilities is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides a power distribution rack, and uninterruptible power supply rack and a plurality of equipment racks. A plurality of power cables are run from the power distribution rack to each of the plurality of equipment racks using power cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. A plurality of data cables run between the plurality of equipment racks using data cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. The power cable tracks and data cable tracks are designed to be installed on the roofs of the equipment racks without the need for tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, William Ziegler, Peter Francis
  • Patent number: 7418314
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to power distribution systems and methods for distributing power from a primary power source and a backup power source to a load. In one particular aspect, a power distribution system includes a first input to receive input power from the primary power source, a second input to receive input power from the backup power source, an output that provides output power from at least one of the primary power source and the backup power source, a first switch operatively coupled to the first input and the output and operative to selectively couple the first input to the output, a second switch operatively coupled to the second input and the output and operative to selectively couple the second input to the output, and a controller operatively coupled to the first switch and to the second switch and configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, William Ziegler, David A. Colucci
  • Publication number: 20080198549
    Abstract: A system for cooling a data center includes a plurality of cooling racks, with each cooling rack including a housing and cooling system components supported by the housing. The system further includes a fluid communication system coupled to the cooling system components of the plurality of racks. The fluid communication system is configured to provide chilled coolant to and exhaust heated coolant from coolant system components of each cooling rack. The system also includes at least one controller coupled to each cooling rack of the plurality of cooling racks to control the operation of each cooling rack. The plurality of cooling racks and the fluid communication system are configured to be modular to allow placement of cooling racks in different locations in a row of equipment racks within the data center. Methods of cooling a data center are further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, John H. Bean, Greg R. Uhrhan, Scott D. Buell
  • Patent number: 7365973
    Abstract: A system for cooling a data center includes a plurality of cooling racks, with each cooling rack including a housing and cooling system components supported by the housing. The system further includes a fluid communication system coupled to the cooling system components of the plurality of racks. The fluid communication system is configured to provide chilled coolant to and exhaust heated coolant from coolant system components of each cooling rack. The system also includes at least one controller coupled to each cooling rack of the plurality of cooling racks to control the operation of each cooling rack. The plurality of cooling racks and the fluid communication system are configured to be modular to allow placement of cooling racks in different locations in a row of equipment racks within the data center. Methods of cooling a data center are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, John H. Bean, Greg R. Uhrhan, Scott D. Buell
  • Patent number: 7358439
    Abstract: Systems and method for installing computer equipment and power distribution equipment in facilities is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides a power distribution rack, and uninterruptible power supply rack and a plurality of equipment racks. A plurality of power cables are run from the power distribution rack to each of the plurality of equipment racks using power cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, James Simonelli, John McNally, Kenneth G. Brill
  • Publication number: 20070214196
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a federated backup involving the coordination and synchronization of backup and restore operations among a plurality of hosts to ensure data consistency. A master node (backup host) acts as the initiator, coordinator, controller, and possibly as primary console for the entire backup and restore operation. All other worker application hosts and/or worker backup hosts operate as worker nodes and perform various backup and restore steps as directed by the master node. Centralized error handling aborts or recovers the entire backup operation in the event of failure on any one node. In addition, a logical view of the data is provided such that the backup can be managed as one entity, while backing up the data of each node. The backup workload may also be distributed to any other dedicated worker backup hosts (nodes) in order to minimize the impact to the production environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: International Business Machines
    Inventors: Neeta Garimella, James Smith, Christopher Zaremba, Avishai Hochberg, Neil Rasmussen, Kala Dutta, Choonsu Park
  • Publication number: 20070174024
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining data center cooling and power requirements and for monitoring performance of cooling and power systems in data centers. At least one aspect provides a system and method that enables a data center operator to determine available power and cooling at specific areas and enclosures in a data center to assist in locating new equipment in the data center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, James VanGilder
  • Publication number: 20070163748
    Abstract: A fluid communication system for providing coolant to and exhausting coolant from a cooling unit includes flexible tubing and a plurality of support members. Each support member is configured to be secured to a support structure and to be releasably secured to the flexible tubing. Each support member includes a first part and a mating second part, with the first and second parts being configured to be secured to one another with the flexible tubing disposed in between. A method of installing a fluid communication system of a cooling system is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, John Bean, Vincent Long, Greg Uhrhan, Matthew Brown
  • Publication number: 20070167125
    Abstract: A system for cooling a data center designed to house a plurality of electronic equipment racks, with each equipment rack being adapted to support at least one piece of electronic equipment and having an industry-standard width, includes at least one cooling rack including a housing having a width approximately one-half the width of each of the plurality of equipment racks. The system further includes cooling system components supported by the housing. Methods of cooling a data center are further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, John Bean, Greg Uhrhan, Scott Buell
  • Publication number: 20070165377
    Abstract: A system for cooling a data center includes a plurality of cooling racks, with each cooling rack including a housing and cooling system components supported by the housing. The system further includes a fluid communication system coupled to the cooling system components of the plurality of racks. The fluid communication system is configured to provide chilled coolant to and exhaust heated coolant from coolant system components of each cooling rack. The system also includes at least one controller coupled to each cooling rack of the plurality of cooling racks to control the operation of each cooling rack. The plurality of cooling racks and the fluid communication system are configured to be modular to allow placement of cooling racks in different locations in a row of equipment racks within the data center. Methods of cooling a data center are further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, John Bean, Greg Uhrhan, Scott Buell
  • Publication number: 20070150215
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring power in power distribution systems are provided. In one aspect, a system for monitoring power includes a power monitoring device that measures a value of at least one characteristic of power provided to a branch of a power distribution system. The power monitoring device includes an output that provides the value measured. The system further includes a controller having an input to receive the value measured and an output that couples to a first device powered by the branch to send a maximum power signal to the first device to command the first device to operate at a percentage of maximum power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Applicant: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: James Spitaels, Neil Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20070129000
    Abstract: An enclosure is provided for housing electronic equipment that accommodates the different cooling and ventilating requirements of different types of equipment. The enclosure is constructed and arranged to support cooling airflow in a front-to-back configuration through the enclosure and in a side-to-side configuration from one side to an opposite side of the enclosure. The enclosure can thereby provide within a single enclosure means cooling air for components using front-to-back airflow for cooling, such as information technology (IT) equipment, and for components using side-to-side airflow, such as certain types of telecommunications equipment. The enclosure can thereby support a mix of IT and telecommunications equipment, providing flexibility and adaptability in network room and data center configuration. The enclosure is further configured to separate intake air used by equipment for cooling from exhaust air vented by equipment into its interior during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, Mark Germagian, Victor Avelar, James Donovan
  • Publication number: 20070078635
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining data center cooling and power requirements and for monitoring performance of cooling and power systems in data centers. At least one aspect provides a system and method that enables a data center operator to determine available power and cooling at specific areas and enclosures in a data center to assist in locating new equipment in the data center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: April 5, 2007
    Applicant: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, James VanGilder, Scott Buell, Saurabh Shrivastava, Mikkel Dalgas
  • Publication number: 20070055409
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to power distribution systems and methods for distributing power from a primary power source and a backup power source to a load. In one particular aspect, a power distribution system includes a first input to receive input power from the primary power source, a second input to receive input power from the backup power source, an output that provides output power from at least one of the primary power source and the backup power source, a first switch operatively coupled to the first input and the output and operative to selectively couple the first input to the output, a second switch operatively coupled to the second input and the output and operative to selectively couple the second input to the output, and a controller operatively coupled to the first switch and to the second switch and configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, William Ziegler, David Colucci